Wow, Joanne, do I appreciate that question!! It really shows your concern in not hurting another's feelings, while still taking care of your own needs, which is what WINNING WITHOUT INTIMIDATION is all about. It's great to remember that those people who solicit your business, charitable contributions, etc. Via telephone are human beings with real feelings, and they're just doing their job.

So, how do you say "No" to a telephone solicitor nicely and politely, without being rude, slamming down the phone, and discouraging another human being? Allow me to share with you what works for me, and for many others.

Incidentally, this example could apply to any type of product or service being marketed. Let's pretend, though, that it's a person calling in regards to a particular charity. It's always difficult to turn down a charity, isn't it?

After all, every worthwhile cause tugs at our heartstrings. I'm sure all of us give abundantly to those charities and organizations we choose to support. Still, as much as we'd like to, it'd be difficult to give significantly to every worthwhile organization that telephones us.

I let the caller finish their short presentation and then respond by saying, "I appreciate your call. I do, however, have several charities to which I donate, and although I'm contacted by many very worthwhile causes such as yours, I've made the decision to stick with the ones I've chosen."

I then add, "But thank you for the opportunity. I do appreciate Your call so much and wish you the best of success in your work. Thank you very much for your time."

Sometimes, they'll simply thank you for your time and hang up. If they try one more time, however, such as, "Well, sir/ma'am, just a very small donation would really help..." I let them complete their sentence and then I say, "I appreciate your offer, but again, that is the decision I've made. Best of success, though. Have a great night."

That will do it. There's no reason to say you can't afford it or anything else. That's not really any of anyone else's 'beeswax.' The answer we just gave is polite and encouraging and more than satisfactory because when you both can't win, making sure no one loses is a great second best.

Often, I've had telephone solicitors (including those from long-distance services, rug cleaning, and photography companies) actually thank me for my politeness and encouragement instead of the rudeness they're often shown by people.

This will work for you as well. What a great feeling to know you're making a positive difference in someone's life.

Bob Burg http:www.burg.com is author of Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales, Winning Without Intimidation and The Success Formula.

He has a full line of books, ebooks and CDs from which everyone can grow and prosper. Check them out by going to http:www.burg.com , then click on the link to his online store. Bob also publishes a free weekly ezine to which you can subscribe going to http://www.burg.com/newsletter.html.